BANDITA: Patricia Stackrow (above) leaves Albany court yesterday after testifying how she stole from Joe Bruno (inset with son Kenneth) when she handled his personal affairs as his Senate secretary.Photos: Andy Uzzle

ALBANY — Joseph Bruno’s former legislative secretary felt so “degraded” by the personal tasks the ex-state Senate leader made her do while she was his bookkeeper that she stole money from his account, she testified yesterday.

The shocking confession by Patricia Stackrow — who also revealed that she handled practically all of the former GOP powerhouse’s personal affairs and finances from her Senate office — came as Bruno’s corruption trial entered its third week.

Stackrow confirmed the theft while on the stand, but explained why only in grand-jury testimony read aloud yesterday by Assistant US Attorney William Pericak.

“[It was] retaliation for the way he treated me,” Stackrow, who worked for Bruno for 24 years, had told the grand jury. “He was demeaning, very degrading.”

It also was revealed that she was given immunity from prosecution.

During cross-examination, Stackrow said the outside work was done largely after hours or during “extremely boring” periods.

Outside court, Bruno described the theft as a personal matter and slammed the feds, saying it had little bearing on the charges against him.

“That is despicable,” Bruno said. “I have a great deal of respect for Pat Stackrow.”

Prosecutors have accused Bruno of illegally collecting $3.2 million in consulting fees and commissions over 13 years from various groups that had state business.

If convicted, the 80-year-old former lawmaker could face 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors displayed numerous ledger sheets and files that the secretary used to meticulously keep track of Bruno’s personal business expenses and changes to his ethics filings.

A draft of one ethics form showed an “X” through a handwritten list of Bruno’s consulting clients. The phrase “don’t show” was written on it.

But Bruno attorney Abbe Lowell countered with another draft ethics form that seemed to show the former senator wanted to comply with the rules.

“Do attorneys know if all income from AmeriData, Wright, McGinn-Smith is reported OK?” Bruno said in a handwritten note.